DRAFT Pitch and Facility Strategy

Orkney Island Council Sports Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 2.METHODOLOGY 1 10 <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">16 </li><li style="flex:1">3. ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS SUMMARY – PITCH SPORTS </li></ul>4. ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS SUMMARY – OTHER OUTDOOR SPORTS AND <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">ACTIVITIES </li><li style="flex:1">33 </li></ul><ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">41 </li><li style="flex:1">5. ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS SUMMARY - INDOOR FACILITIES </li></ul>6.CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Orkney Island Council Sports Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy Appendices 1234567 STUDY CONSULTEES STRATEGY CONTEXT METHODOLOGY IN DETAIL DEMAND AUDIT TABLE SUPPLY AUDIT TABLE PPM MODEL ANALYSIS MAPS Orkney Island Council Sports Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy Maps Map 1 Map 2 Map 3 Map 4 Map 5 Map 6 All Playing Pitch Sites All Playing Pitch Sites by Pitch Type All Playing Pitch Sites by Pitch Quality All Swimming Pools All Sports Halls All Fitness Suites Orkney Island Council Sports Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy Executive Summary Strategic Leisure, part of the Scott Wilson Group, was commissioned by Orkney Islands Council (OIC) in December 2010 to develop a Sports Facilities and Pitch Strategy. This report details the findings of the research and assessment undertaken and the recommendations made on the basis of this evidence. The recommendations provide the strategy for the future provision of sports pitches, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, guide management and operation and provide a framework for funding and investment decisions. Aims, Objectives and Strategic Scope The aim of the study is to produce a robust, well-evidenced and achievable Sports Facility and Pitch Strategy for OIC, which takes account of the demand for, and provision of, indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities that are readily available for community activities, with an accompanying Playing Pitch Strategy. In meeting this aim, the key outcomes/deliverables of this study, as set out in the Council’s brief, are to develop: ·A strategy which sets out the strategic priorities and direction of travel for future provision over the next eight years, and provides a framework for future roles, responsibilities and delivery across all sectors. ··A robust Playing Pitch Strategy which considers the current and future supply of, and demand for, pitches for outdoor sports, particularly football, rugby, hockey, cricket and athletics. An Action Plan which sets out the priorities for future facility provision, development and improvement based on the findings and conclusions of the strategy The output of this study is to present a clear assessment of the current and known future supply of indoor facilities and pitches, and how this satisfies current and future demand. Strategy Scope The strategy covers a number of key pitch sports and wider facility types that make up outdoor sports facility provision in Orkney Islands. In terms of pitch sports, the assessment and resulting strategy recommendations cover the sports of: ····Football Cricket Rugby Union Hockey In addition the strategy considers facility requirements for: ····Bowling Greens Tennis Courts Athletics Tracks Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs) (1), and Formal Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA's) – three new all weather pitches are being built in 2011, as part of the School Investment Programme; 1 of these will replace the existing AGP <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1"><a href="/goto?url=http://www.scottwilson.com" target="_blank">www.scottwilson.com </a></li><li style="flex:1"><a href="/goto?url=http://www.strategicleisure.co.uk" target="_blank">www.strategicleisure.co.uk </a></li></ul>1Orkney Island Council Sports Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy ··Golf facilities A range of outdoor sports which take place in the islands, given the natural environment eg sailing, swimming, rock climbing, abseiling, shooting, cycling etc The strategy is based on an assessment of pitches using the guidance detailed in Toward a Level Playing Field (Sport England and CCPR). The Towards a Level Playing Field approach covers all elements set out in sportscotland’s ‘A guide to the Preparation of Pitch Sports Strategies’. This approach is based on an audit and assessment of the demand for, and supply of facilities. Its focus is on providing the means for deriving local standards, using local information, and developing policy to respond to local circumstances. An eight stage process is followed, and this is summarised below. The assessment of bowling greens and tennis courts has followed the general approach of an audit and assessment of both supply and demand. The assessment of demand has drawn more on wider indicators of demand levels and supplemented with local research and consultation with stakeholders. The overall aim of the assessment methodology has been to determine the number of pitches required for each specific sport. In the case of Orkney the methodology has been used to assess the adequacy of provision for: ·······Football Cricket Rugby Union Hockey Tennis Bowls A range of indoor sports eg netball, basketball, volleyball, swimming etc An overview has also been provided of Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs), which provide training facilities (and match facilities for Hockey) for several of the sports assessed. The methodology for assessing pitch sports comprises an eight-stage approach, as summarised overleaf. This involves a number of specific research tasks to build a comprehensive audit. A series of toolkits are used to analyse the data collected with the resulting assessment figures interpreted in consideration to the local context and results of stakeholder consultation. The toolkits, data modelling and audit data is included within the appendices to this report. Given that the Orkney Islands are an archipelago, neighbouring authority provision has not been assessed for its impact on supply and demand. It is felt that assessing neighbouring provision for island communities is not appropriate. The general register for Scotland mid 2010 population data estimates Orkney’s total population to be 20,210, an increase of 1,644 compared to the 2001 census population of 18,566. There is a female population of 10,202 (50.73%) in Orkney. In relation to future growth, projections for population change are that Orkney will have a population of 21,501 by 2023 (an increase of 1,291 on the 2010 figures). All playing pitch future demand modelling has been based on the 2023 projections. Source: National Records of Scotland Orkney Islands Council Area – Demographic fact sheet. In relation to demand, some of the population change projected is a result of housing growth, which will impact between 5 and 10 years from now. The above illustrates that Orkney has a generally stable population level, which is unlikely to impact in terms of significantly increasing demand for sport and leisure provision. The factors that are, however, likely to impact on demand for provision are: <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1"><a href="/goto?url=http://www.scottwilson.com" target="_blank">www.scottwilson.com </a></li><li style="flex:1"><a href="/goto?url=http://www.strategicleisure.co.uk" target="_blank">www.strategicleisure.co.uk </a></li></ul>2Orkney Island Council Sports Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy ØØAn increased population of young people The high percentage of females in the population, which may impact on the demand for specific sports, given that female participation may not focus to the same extent on those sports in which male participation is high ØØInward migration and de-population of the isles The School Investment Programme which will realise the development of new sports facilities by 2013; facilities include a 25m x 6 lane swimming pool and 3 squash courts at the Pickaquoy Centre, plus new artificial grass pitches at the Kirkwall Grammar (between the primary and secondary school) and Stromness Academy. Summary of Assessment Findings: Football The headlines: 1. The modelling results show that provision (in terms of quantity) is sufficient, for senior teams if the supply and demand analysis is run based on 25 senior teams and 28 pitches. Although, this theoretical result does not take into account the impact of the poor quality of some of the pitches (6 average/poor), which impacts on the capacity of the overall stock, there is still a sufficiency of provision running the model based on 22 pitches. 2. If the PPM model is run based on 57 teams, there is a clear reduction in the sufficiency of pitches for senior teams, but there is still a surplus of provision. ·3. Based on the PPM, there is a surplus of adult pitches across the Islands, and a deficiency in junior pitches (-2) on a Wednesday evening. Based local club and FA feedback, however there is a deficiency in provision as a result of the quality, and therefore the capacity, of some existing pitches. This deficiency does however appear to be localised; the majority of senior pitches are on the main island, but this is also where there are the most teams, and therefore most demand. Equally, on the isles, there may at times be an issue about access to pitches, if there is only 1 pitch, and a number of teams requiring a pitch because they have both league and cup games to play. ·4. There are significant quality deficiencies – only 52% of all pitches available for community use are of a good quality. It is the pitch quality, impacting on accessibility and/or capacity that is the issue, NOT the number of actual pitches that is the issue. The quality of existing changing provision is also an issue on some sites, and particularly Burray Primary School, Evie Primary School, Rendall Community Centre, and Stenness Primary School.. It is important to note that the quality issue applies both to the quality of existing changing facilities, but also their accessibility; facilities are rated as poor if they are not accessible to support use of the playing pitches. ·5. Access arrangements (in terms of fees, charges and distances travelled to access provision) vary significantly across the County – but there is a consensus that improved access to facilities locally is a priority The development of the new artificial pitches through the School Investment Programme is critical in terms of extending the current football season into the winter period, addressing issues of pitch capacity, and stimulating increased junior demand, 6. There is significant potential to develop increased participation in junior, mini, women and girls’ football, but the quality and capacity of existing pitch stock would need to be improved. <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1"><a href="/goto?url=http://www.scottwilson.com" target="_blank">www.scottwilson.com </a></li><li style="flex:1"><a href="/goto?url=http://www.strategicleisure.co.uk" target="_blank">www.strategicleisure.co.uk </a></li></ul>3Orkney Island Council Sports Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy Summary of Assessment Findings: Cricket The headlines: 1. There is currently sufficient pitch provision for the two cricket teams in Orkney, and each has a home pitch. Regular league fixtures are not played; the cricket season consists of some local games, but also several ‘tour’ games/competitive fixtures. 2. No issues regarding quality either of pitches or changing facilities has been identified. Summary of Assessment Findings: Rugby Union The headlines: 1. The modelling results show that provision (in terms of quantity) is adequate to meet current and future demand for competitive play. Whilst there is significant junior development work ongoing, there is now an identifiable target of establishing more senior teams. 2. There is a lack of appropriate training facilities for rugby; the short pile on existing and planned AGPs is unsuitable for contact rugby. The potential to develop an additional new AGP at the Dounby Centre could be considered as a means to address the lack of training provision for rugby, and particularly if player numbers continue to grow. 3. No issues concerning quality - pitch or changing, have been identified in relation to rugby union 4. No consultation response has been received from the Orkney Rugby Club. However, we are aware that sportscotland is in discussions with Orkney Rugby Club regarding potential improvements to the existing Pavilion. This is owned by PIC but there is potential to transfer the asset to Orkney Rugby Club, who might then apply for external funding. 5. There are no currently no women’s or girls’ rugby teams in Orkney, but potentially participation could be developed, which would increase access pressure on existing facilities, but could help to underpin the case for a further AGP at the Dounby Centre. Summary of Assessment Findings: Hockey The headlines: 1. The modelling results show that provision (in terms of quantity) is sufficient to meet demand. This is on the assumption that access is secured for hockey use at the Pickaquoy Centre pitch, at the appropriate times 2. The quality of pitches is relatively good – although the Pickaquoy Centre pitch is being re-surfaced this year. It is also floodlit. 3. Both respondent hockey clubs identify the changing facilities for the AGP as adequate. <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1"><a href="/goto?url=http://www.scottwilson.com" target="_blank">www.scottwilson.com </a></li><li style="flex:1"><a href="/goto?url=http://www.strategicleisure.co.uk" target="_blank">www.strategicleisure.co.uk </a></li></ul>4Orkney Island Council Sports Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy 4. Access to the existing AGP for hockey teams at some times can be very difficult given its level of use by local football teams for training and 5-a-side. Key Issues for Playing Pitch Provision Based on the pitch assessments overall, there are a number of key issues to consider in terms of future playing pitch provision in Orkney. These include: ·There are currently sufficient football pitches to meet demand; however, the quality of some of these existing facilities is poor, or very poor, and it is this fact that means current pitch supply is insufficient. Many games have to be cancelled due to the pitches being water-logged/flooded; this means games cannot be played and yet the quality of the pitches means the season cannot be extended into the winter season (current season is over the spring and summer months). The impact of pitches being used too early, to try and ensure all games are played also has an impact due to their poor quality. ··There is a lack of good quality changing provision across around half of the pitch stock OIC does not currently have any capital funding to invest in improving the quality of the pitches. The sport and leisure service used to have a budget of up to £40k per annum to upgrade pitches. ··The loss of the grass pitches at Kirkwall Grammar School for a temporary period will cause a short term problem for teams using these facilities The ‘show pitch’ at the Pickaquoy Centre would benefit from floodlights; this would enable the season to be extended. In addition, provision of a spectator stand at this venue would increase spectating opportunities, which could deliver increased revenue, through sponsorship, to the Centre. ···OIC does not always obtain the booking fee for club use of pitches, particularly those on school sites, if the club has not advised the school that they are using the pitch. There is also an issue with clubs using isles pitches without pre-booking. Whilst the development of synthetic pitches will address many of the pitch quality issues, it will be important to ensure they are appropriately maintained, to ensure they remain good quality, and can increase pitch capacity. Given the fact that with the development of 2 new AGPs there will be 1 specific hockey surface, and 2 football specific surfaces, there is a need to ensure that the one AGP suitable for competitive hockey use (as specified by Scottish hockey) is only used for hockey to improve the quality of the surface for hockey match play. ··Orkney Rugby club requires new facilities, but membership is declining, despite the clear and extensive development work being undertaken through the schools for Tag rugby. Given the locations of some of the existing OIC pitches, and the current financial context for OIC, where its revenue and capital budgets have reduced, there is significant potential to look at alternative means of managing, booking and maintaining pitches, particularly for those in the isles. A more local operation for pitches and other facilities eg play areas, could be a more effective way of managing existing resources. Adopting this approach could enable a co-ordinated delivery of indoor and outdoor facilities across the Islands. The 1 AGP is currently used for all hockey league matches and football training. Key observations are: ··Currently limited full size AGP provision – and no full size 3G pitches currently provided No full size AGP provision in the isles <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1"><a href="/goto?url=http://www.scottwilson.com" target="_blank">www.scottwilson.com </a></li><li style="flex:1"><a href="/goto?url=http://www.strategicleisure.co.uk" target="_blank">www.strategicleisure.co.uk </a></li></ul>5Orkney Island Council Sports Facilities and Playing Pitch Strategy ···The development of the 2 new AGPs through the School Investment Programme will address the current lack of 3G provision. Heavy demand for existing full size pitches from both hockey and football, including imported demand (i.e. use by teams from outside of the borough). Less than half of the local football clubs access formal training facilities, and only a small percentage of these use the AGPs currently because it is on the Mainland. Summary of Assessment Findings: Tennis The headlines: 1. The assessment indicates that the current supply is sufficient for the estimated demand for tennis in Orkney. The issue is that all existing courts, indoor and outdoor, are on the Mainland. There are therefore no tennis courts in the isles, and there may be latent demand in these smaller islands for tennis, which cannot be addressed due to lack of facilities. Provision of multi-use games areas could help to address this and other previously identified needs eg football training facilities in the smaller communities. 2. No issues have been identified concerning the quality of existing outdoor or indoor tennis courts. 3. There do not appear to be any tennis clubs on the Islands. 4. There is unlikely to be significant additional future demand for tennis in Orkney given the stable future population, current levels of participation and the lack of facilities except for on the main island, unless there is a specific focused programme of tennis development through the local schools. Assessment Summary: Bowls The headlines: 1. 2. 3. The assessment indicates sufficient supply to accommodate estimated regular demand, in all areas of the Islands currently and when taking account of potential future growth There have been no specific issues identified in relation to the quality of existing bowls facilities. All existing bowls facilities are on the Mainland, which does mean there is an accessibility deficit in the isles, and this may be obscuring latent demand. Headline Golf Assessment There appears to be adequate provision in relation to levels of demand. There are a number of datasets and indicators to suggest this including: ·The optimum membership level per club (based on the EGU survey response) is around 645 per club. Profiled across the provision in Orkney, this suggests an indicative capacity for members of around 3,225, which is more than sufficient for estimated current demand.

DRAFT Pitch and Facility Strategy

Details

Download

Copyright

We respect the copyrights and intellectual property rights of all users. All uploaded documents are either original works of the uploader or authorized works of the rightful owners.

Support